Manitobans call for the elimination of interest on student loans

Canadian Federation of Students-Manitoba logo (CNW Group/Canadian Federation of Students - Manitoba)

WINNIPEG, April 29, 2014 /CNW/ - Students from across Manitoba presented
over 6,000 petitions to Hon. James Allum, Minister for Education and
Advanced Learning calling for the elimination of interest on student
loans.

"Interest on student loans further penalizes those Manitobans who are
unable to afford to upfront costs of their education," said Bilan Arte,
Chairperson of the Canadian Federation of Students—Manitoba. "High
student debt prevents graduates from real participation in Manitoba's
economy."

Part of the Education for All campaign, the petitions were signed by
students and community members from all parts of the province. Manitoba
student loans carry an interest rate of prime, meaning that those who
rely on loans will pay, on average, an extra $3,000 for their
education.

"Our government will continue to work with students, not against them,
to continue building a post-secondary system defined by quality,
affordability and accessibility," said James Allum, Minister of
Education and Advanced Learning.

The Canadian Federation of Students-Manitoba is Manitoba's largest
student organisation, uniting over 42,000 post-secondary students
across the province. As part of the Canadian Federation of Students,
the Federation and its predecessor organisations have represented
students in Canada since 1927.